Get your girlfriends to help you pick out what to keep and what to throw away!

A breakup is a slow and excruciating process—at least, that was what it felt like when I went through one. I really thought I wasn't going to come out of that dark place alive, but luckily, the people who mattered most were there to support me until I was ready to start over again. It was really hard at the time (I wish I had this month's "The Ultimate Breakup Manual" to consult!), but that's all in the past, and now my life is great!

I've learned that people cope in different ways. For me, it was definitely all about shopping! I felt like I had to reward myself or turn to something that brought me the feeling of comfort. And it really did make me feel better; it was actually the starting point for me to move forward and start thinking about myself, what makes me happy, and what would (eventually) be good for me after the ordeal. It's quite dangerous to do this credit-wise when you're still at an angry stage. Don't use it as an excuse to splurge all your savings in one go. The last thing you want is to be heart- and money-broken at the same time.

Here are some of the things I did to move on. Hopefully, this list will help you get back on your feet and start moving forward:

• Whip out the "Ex Box." The last thing you want to see in your room are items that remind you of your ex. Your room should be a "safe, comfy place" as you recover from a breakup, so make two "ex boxes": one for items you feel you have to return, and the second for items he doesn't want back or you can't let go of yet.


• Give away stuff. Once you're ready to let things go, why not give them away? You save yourself from crying over seeing something that reminds you of him, and maybe that item has a better purpose elsewhere. Despite my friends' insistence, I couldn't bring myself to sell my things, but if you'e comfortable with doing that, then, by all means, go ahead!


• Reward and replace. I had important everyday items (like my cellphone and digicam) that he gave me as gifts on my birthday or during Christmas. It was hard to use those things afterwards because they reminded me of the pain I went through over him. It's a good thing I really had plans to change both items since they were already outdated. To me, it didn't even matter if I opted to switch to an older model. The important thing was that they no longer carried awful memories.


• Shop away! I scoured the mall for sales, and it really made me feel better when I got a fab piece for half the price. This allowed me to focus on myself. I started giving myself a mini makeover and people around me saw the different glow that made me realize that I can bounce back.

At the end of it all, the most important thing is for you to come out of the relationship better, stronger, and happier with yourself. Do an activity that will boost your mood, and if you're like me and choose to shop, check out the "7 Must-Haves To Bounce Back" and "Dresses Below P1,000" in this month's fashion pages to bring back your blooming, sexy side! Before you know it, you'll make room for new memories in your heart and chic clothing finds in your closet.

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